Edmonton Notes for 7/15/2012

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

• The results of the 2012 Municipal Census were released this week and Edmonton’s new official population is 817,498.
• After tons of hot weather recently, the last few days have been very wet. The storm on Thursday resulted in more than 40 emergencies, 2 fires started by lightning, and at least 20 rescues of drivers and passengers stranded on a very flooded Whitemud Drive. There was a rainfall warning in effect all day today, though the rain is expected to taper off into Monday morning. All the rain today has meant another round of floods!
• Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Lyle Best, Bill Comrie, and Dr. Lorne Tyrrell are among the latest Edmontonians honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubiliee Medal in recognition of their outstanding service and citizenship.
• An update on the arena was released this week, with the issue set to be discussed by City Council on Tuesday. Looks like the project is going to cost significantly more than the budgeted $450 million.
• Here’s a relatively rare interview with Daryl Katz. “You’ve seen our plans,” he said. “It’s nothing short of miraculous.”
• The average price of a detached bungalow in Edmonton increased 5.1% year-over-year to $327,857 in the second quarter according to the latest Royal LePage House Price Survey.
• A new interchange at Highway 2 and 41 Avenue SW is expected to cost $205 million and is slated for completion in 2015.
• Think the traffic in Edmonton is bad? Think again. We rank 23rd in a new report that looks at the most traffic-clogged cities in Canada or the United States.
• The final six names in the Name Your Fair contest were released this week. My guess is that K-Days is going to win, even though that’s probably not the direction we should be going.
• A couple of recent posts from Councillor Iveson worth reading: Investing in Neighbourhood Renewal, and Station at 40th Avenue Feasible, But Shelved.
• How does Edmonton stack up as a beer town? Vue investigates.
• You might have to pay to park downtown after 6pm if Council agrees with the recommendation made by Executive Committee this week.
• Looking for a family doctor? The Primary Care Network has a new online tool to find one.
• What’s in a name? Gig City says Edmonton doesn’t have a clue.
• The City is working on a new Master Plan for Buena Vista/Sir Wilfred Laurier Park, and they want your input. Fill out the survey here before August 3.
• Food for thought: Edmonton needs more Graffiti.
• Edmonton on Edmonton: some of the city’s finest reflect on their most memorable artistic experiences.
• In case you missed it on the weekend: Food, agriculture and the battle over Edmonton’s growth.

I love that people take photos of this all over the place.

Here are some upcoming events:

• Check out Zumba on the Square, Mondays and Fridays during the lunch hour.
• Fork Fest Summer 2012 runs this week and next at restaurants around the city.
• Don’t miss Tuesdays on the Terrace at the AGA!
• Head downtown on Thursday for the Capital Ex Parade!
• Also Thursday, it’s the start of Taste of Edmonton in Churchill Square.
• Looking for something to do Thursday evening? You have a ton of choices – here are three: 124 Grand Market, Highlands Farmers Market, Latitude 53 Summer Rooftop Patio Series.
• Racing fans get ready – the Edmonton Indy kicks off on Friday!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton was rather smoky on Friday as smoke from northern forest fires rolled into town.